3.1 Secondary Research

Question 1

Describe the stages in the Research Process

Answer 1

1. Identify your topic
2. Draft a question
3. CARRY OUT SECONDARY RESEARCH
4. Refine your question if needed
5. CARRY OUT MORE SECONDARY RESEARCH IF NEEDED
6. If you don’t yet have an answer, or perhaps you want up to date data move on to Primary Research

Question 2

Define Literature Review

Answer 2

Process of systematically reviewing available literature of a particular topic

Question 3

What should you do / look for when using websites for Secondary Research

Answer 3

USE WITH CAUTION
Is there a named author?
Is the website run by a reputable organisation
'About us' section could be useful
Check information against another source
Check the national source
Keep a record of where you've been
Some websites are specifically set up for fraudulent reasons

Question 4

Benefits of Secondary Research

Answer 4

Increases knowledge of subject area
Gain clear idea of problem
Helps to ‘fine tune’ your research question
Helps determine if its practical to undertake Primary Research
Identifies what needs to be asked during Primary Research

Question 5

Downsides of Secondary Research

Answer 5

Time taken to complete review

You may discover that your question isn’t actually very important, or has been reportedly researched already

Question 6

Sources of information

Answer 6

Statistics
Historical events
Art
Film
Radio
TV
The web
Google Scholar
Education (library (books, journals), academics (publications, expertise)
Public sources (agencies, government)
Manufacturers
Other businesses

Question 7

Describe the steps involved in the Secondary Research Process

Answer 7

1. Start with a question
2. Think of some variations
3. Use a search engine (library, web)
4. Identify the most useful sources
5. Read them
6. Formulate ideas based on your reading